Our Top Ten Mini Laptops for May 2009. We’ve read dozens of reviews, as well as those from other people, and have tested the models to determine our conclusion. Our results have been based on functionality, cost, looks, and practicality.
As newer models are released, several models have been removed from our Top Ten Mini Laptops Rankings. These models include:
Dell Inspiron 9
Although the original Dell netbook was small and compact, it was not a good netbook. It lacks function keys and has limited battery life. The new Inspiron Mini 10 is larger and solves many of these issues. Although we have yet to test it, it appears that they have fixed the keyboard (which is a bit large) and other issues.
However, the Dell Inspiron 9 is still a great value for a Vodafone contract starting at around PS20 per monthly. You could consider buying the Inspiron Mini 9 or USB modem separately from the bundle. This would cost you around PS30. It is definitely worth taking a look…
Asus Eee PC 1000
After MSI released the MSI Wind, the first 10-inch netbook, the Eee PC 1000 was introduced by Asus. They also introduced the EeePC 901, its brother, to expand the EeePC range. This included large 6-cell batteries (standard) and the industry-standard Intel Atom 1.6GHzN270 processor.
The netbook from Asus has fallen behind larger brands that have created their netbooks. Asus has updated the model with the Eee PC 1000H and Eee PC1002HA, as well as the Eee PC S101 variant.
MSI Wind
Although the MSI Wind is loved by many, it has been removed from our rankings for two reasons. There are bigger brands now with better products like the Samsung NC10. Second, you would be wasting money if you bought an MSI Wind. Why? You can also buy an Advent 4211! You can buy an Advent 4211 computer with the same logos but it’s about PS50 cheaper depending where you buy. Even then, you would be missing out. The LG X110 isn’t really new – it’s a redesigned MSI Wind that looks very attractive. It also has 3G embedded.
Now we are at the Top Ten Mini Laptops Rankings… Starting at the Bottom:
#10 – Asus Eee PC 701
Our rankings have once again included the COMPUTEX Taipei 2007 debut of the first netbook by Asus. This was what sparked this whole industry trend. It isn’t as powerful and has a smaller screen than the latest models. However, it costs half as much as the older models. It is still the smallest, lightest, and cheapest netbook.
You might consider a mini-laptop that is affordable, especially in these difficult economic times. There are also unbranded options. It’s worth investing in a branded model, especially if you have access to the after-sales support network. The Asus Eee PC701 is still a great deal for what it is.
Overall: 2 stars – previous ranking February 9, 2009: Back in the Top Ten mini laptops rankings!
#9 – Asus Eee PC S101
Cnet has rated this netbook highly in the past, and they still rank it #3. However, it isn’t very impressive, especially considering its price – PS449. At closer inspection, you’ll see a reduced battery. It has a 4-cell rather than 6 cells. This makes it more functional and also doesn’t have an integrated 3G option like the Eee PC 901. It’s difficult to justify a higher ranking at twice the price of comparable models, but with a greater spec.
Overall: 3 stars. Previous ranking February 9, 2009: #6
#8 Toshiba NB100
Because of the incredible price cuts, the Toshiba mini laptops under 700 pounds has climbed up the rankings. The Editor discovered that Amazon.co.uk has slashed PS50 from the PS299 RRP. LaptopsDirect also cut a further PS50 during April’s clearance sale. Although the computer isn’t as powerful as other competitors like the Asus Eee PC 901, the build quality and brand name are solid enough to make it a good buy.
Toshiba also revealed plans to release a larger 10-inch model with 160GB storage and embedded 3G. Check out the New Mini Laptops
Overall: 3 stars. Previous ranking February 09, 2009: #10
#7 LG X110
The MSI Wind, a pioneering 10-inch laptop, is the inspiration for this new laptop. It has a nice chassis and a reasonable price. The integrated 3G connectivity allows you to connect wherever there is mobile signal. This feature is not available on other models like the HP Compaq mini 700 and Samsung NC10.
Overall rating: 3 stars. Previous ranking February 09, 2009: New ranking in the Top Ten Mini Laptops for this month. The MSI Wind was ranked #9
#6 – Acer Aspire One
The Acer Aspire One family now includes the D150 10″ netbook. For the sake of ranking, we’ve decided to combine the two. The new model’s price is comparable to its smaller brother and significantly less than what you would pay for the latest netbook at PS300 odd.
The Acer range has been slightly reduced, but the ranking of the Acer Mini Laptops Rankings has changed. Newer and more powerful models have entered the Top Ten Mini Laptops Rankings.
Overall: 3 stars. Previous ranking February 9, 2009: #5
#5 – Asus Eee PC 901
The Asus Eee PC 901 netbook is a complete package. The Eee PC 901 replaces Asus’ 9-inch models. It features 6-cell batteries and Intel Atom processors. Orange now offers a wide range of colour options, with a free contract. It is our favorite portable 9-inch mini laptop.
The Asus EeePC is currently available at around PS25 per monthly on Orange Pay Month Mobile Broadband.
Overall rating: 4 stars. Previous ranking February 9, 2009: #4
#4 – Asus Eee PC 1002HA
The Eee PC 1002HA is the top-end of the Asus Eee PC series. The Eee PC 1002HA comes with a completely redesigned chassis that draws inspiration from the sleek Eee PC S101 as well as the Eee PC 1000H’s interiors. They’ve failed to include the 6-cell battery standard on the Eee PC 901/1000 models, which would have made it a truly remarkable product. It was still ranked #4 in our Top Ten Mini Laptops Rankings – a new entry.
Overall rating: 4 stars. Previous ranking February 9, 2009: New ranking!
#3 – Samsung NC10
Samsung’s entry into netbook market with a low-key design has met with great sales success. The keyboard is designed to be larger than the number keys to aid in typing and almost matches an HP netbook. O2 and Samsung have recently teamed up to offer a variety of laptops under a mobile broadband contract, including the NC10. O2 has the UK’s only provider of the Apple iPhone. It is one of the best networks. O2 offers a great network and free Home Broadband to mobile broadband customers.
Samsung’s confidence in netbooks is overwhelming. The larger Samsung NC20 is now available, and there are more models in the pipeline. See mini-laptops-and-notebooks.com and click on ‘New Mini Laptops’ for details including pictures!
#2 – HP Compaq Mini 700
The HP Compaq mini 700, which is not shifting from our Top Ten Mini Laptops of last month’s list, boasts the best keyboard in netbooking. It would seem obvious to extend it to the edges wouldn’t it? But very few mini laptops do this. It does make the trackpad a little smaller than some other models, but it provides a better user interface. It’s still high up in the rankings because its price has fallen significantly in recent months to about PS250-260. This is far less than the Samsung NC10.
Although the HP Compaq mini 700 can be purchased on mobile broadband contracts with Orange and 3 we do not consider it to be as valuable as other providers, Orange charges fiver more for the Compaq than the Asus Eee PC901 for the same service. This means that it will cost you an additional PS120 for the entire contract.
Overall rating: 4 stars. Previous ranking February 9, 2009: #2
Our #1 mini-laptop is…
Sony VAIO P Series
At CES, the new Sony VAIO P Series mini laptops were unveiled. The new Sony 8-inch, PS849 “lifestyle PC” (Sony is careful not to use the term “netbook”) measures less than 2cm thick. It’s slightly larger than an ordinary office envelope. It boasts a variety of features, including 3G Mobile Broadband and Windows Vista. The battery lasts up to 8 hours and SSD storage can hold up to 128GB. Amazingly, it weighs in at less than 640g.